Color Us Happy ~ Non-Traditional Wedding Inspiration from Designer Wai-Ching!

We were on a search for colorful wedding gowns - splashes, dashes, sprays, washes...you name it! Color is the big thing right now and we couldn't be more excited because it's time to turn tradition on its arse and bring in some beautiful hues!

Well, we not only found color, but we found eco-conscious, beautifully constructed raw silk couture gowns from Chrissy Wai-Ching, a Seattle-based designer whose special gowns are a favorite among brides with a funky, off-beat style. You can see her collection on her site, Wai-Ching.com, but we've featured some of our favorites here and even did a little mini-inspiration board for each gown.


~Sea Glass Inspiration~

L'Arbre Dress by Wai Ching


Invitation Inspiration (from Folklore Eye Designs)


Bouquet Idea


Cake! From Michele Coulon Dessertier


~Boho Juliet Inspiration~

Silvio Dress by Wai-Ching


Floral Inspiration


Gothic Indian Choker Necklace from XinXinemin's Etsy Shop

Vintage Postcard Wedding Invitation from Golden Rectangle Press's Etsy Shop


Cake Inspiration by Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, New York


~Woodsy Floral Inspiration~
Chrystanthemum Dress by Wai-Ching


Passion - Gold Satin Clutch with Feathery Brooch / Hairclip from AngeeW's Etsy Shop


Incredibly Unique Invitation Inspiration from Tugboat Printshop (Note: you can see all of the details of this custom woodcut wedding invitation here)


Adorable woodland-themed cake topper from Sweet Pixie Pie's Etsy Shop


~Gypsy Chic Inspiration~
Zolotova


...which the STUNNINGLY GORGEOUS designer wore for her very own wedding:


Save-the-Date/Invite Inspiration from Kim's Custom Cards & Gifts


Decor, Moroccan Style

Lounge decor, from Mosaik Events


From Overstock.com ~Mediterranean Faux Stained Glass Chandelier


Hope you enjoyed today's inspiration! Be sure to check out Wai-Ching's site...you'll really be blown away.

Have a great weekend, lovelies!

xoSJE

Sweet Decor Idea: Framed Chalkboards

We love the idea of using framed chalkboards in party and wedding decor. Whether it's to write something as simple as the menu, or to tell a little story, or to instruct your guests, these are a fun, decorative solution and they offer instant style.

We found some great ones on Etsy (of course!):

From Polkadots n' Pinstripes' Shop

Large White Vintage French-Inspired Framed Chalkboard


Chalkboard Magnetic Memo Board Oval Metal Frame from Shabby Vintage Mom's Shop:


Mini Day of the Dead Chalkboard in Orange from Kitty McFar's Shop:



Antique Framed Chalkboard from Rowan's Room's Shop:


Purple Ornate Chalboard Frame from Nonookyes's Shop:


And this one...so cute! From K9Gifts.com:


Actually, we're told this is a fairly easy D.I.Y. project - just buy some frames at Goodwill or a garage sale! We've included some instructions below. Send us pics if you decide to do it and we will feature them!

Supplies

Large vintage or secondhand frame

Chalkboard paint

Pencil

Masking or painter's tape

Nails, hammer, paintbrush/small roller

Instructions

Place the empty frame on the wall in the exact place you would like to have your chalkboard. Have someone hold it very steady, or actually nail it on the wall. Using a pencil, trace the inside perimeter of the frame directly onto the wall. Remove the frame from the wall.

The next step is to tape the area off. Place tape along the lines you have drawn, not flush against the pencil marks, but about an inch away. This will create a space in the same shape, but about a full inch larger altogether than the pencil outline. Erase the pencil marks.

Place the frame back over the area, and make sure you can't see any tape from any angle. (The boundary of the tape now represents the unpainted wall, and what you will be able to see once the project is complete.) If necessary, adjust the tape lines so they are covered completely by the frame. If this is difficult, your frame's edges may be too thin/narrow.

Happy Crafting!
xo SJE